Playing status might not be determined until Saturday. EJ Manuel would start if Ponder doesn't.

Florida State QB Christian Ponder returned to practice on Thursday but was limited and didn't throw as much as he normally would, coach Jimbo Fisher said on Thursday. Ponder had missed the first three days of practice this week after undergoing a surgical procedure to remove fluid build-up from his right elbow.

"I didn't want to take a chance" on worsening the injury, Fisher said. So Ponder didn't throw much, but how little he did throw Fisher couldn't say. Back-up QB EJ Manuel has been working with the first-team offense throughout the week.

Fisher said he might not decide on a starter until Saturday, when the Seminoles host Clemson at 8 p.m. in a key game in the ACC Atlantic Division race.

"We'll make a judgment call as we go," Fisher said.

But he sounded optimistic that Ponder could be ready to play by Saturday.

"I think he'll feel good," Fisher said. "I really do."

QUICK HITS

-If Ponder is unable to play, Fisher said Will Secord, a redshirt freshman, would be the back-up to Manuel.

-Former Florida State coach Bobby Bowden will be in Orlando today to sign copies of a new motivational DVD. Bowden will be at the Barnes & Noble at the corner of Colonial and Bumby at 6 p.m.

-Freshman WR Jarred Haggins will be out for the Clemson game with a hamstring injury. Ponder's official status is questionable.

-The game on Saturday will be Florida State's first home night game since it lost against Georgia Tech on Oct. 10, 2009.